Gifts for fathers through the years

Socks

These sports socks were worn by Wellington High School pupils in the 1940s and 50s as part of their hockey or rugby uniform. Both heels have been mended with orange wool – a thrifty mother, we presume.

School sports socks, 1950s, maker unknown. Gift of Wellington High School, 2009. CC BY-NC-ND licence. Te Papa (GH016827)

Flagon case

Used in the 1950s and 60s, flagon cases were a handy way to take beer to picnics, race meets, and rugby games. The case was also used to hide it’s contents from official eyes as until the early 1960s, the law prohibited the sale and public consumption of alcohol in connection with eating, dancing, or any sort of entertainment.

Flagon case, circa 1960, New Zealand, by Flight. Gift of Mr Geoff Kelly, 2009. CC BY-NC-ND licence. Te Papa (GH012214/1-8)

Miniature gardening set

These lovely metal miniatures were produced in the 1900s. The whole set contains a mower, wheelbarrow, roller, spade, broom, and lamp.

Miniature gardening set, 1900s. Gift of T W Dallow, 1964. CC BY-NC-ND licence. Te Papa (GH002352)

Ties

These ties are an excellent example of early 1990s colourful men’s accessories. These were purchased from Wellington merchant Rixon Groove who initially hawked his hand-made ties and accessories in inner-city Wellington. He then sold them from his first boutique store in Woodward Street, established in 1991.

Men’s ties, early 1990s, New Zealand, by Rixon Groove. Gift of Stefan Sepanaho, 2010. CC BY-NC-ND licence. Te Papa (GH016954)

Games table

This is a very rare example of a late 19th century New Zealand-made games table. The table is made from kauri and has its original hand-painted finish in tact.

Games table, circa 1890, New Zealand. Purchased 2003. CC BY-NC-ND licence. Te Papa (GH009938)

James Bond Toy Car

Launched in 1965, this 007 James Bond Aston Martin DB5 toy car from the film Goldfinger became Corgi’s most popular product, selling more than 3.9 million cars by 1968.

A mechanism at the side makes the top of the car’s roof open and a figurine is propelled out. It also has hidden machine guns and a bullet-proof shield, just like the car seen in the film.

James Bond Toy Car, 1965, United Kingdom, by Mettoy Playcraft Limited. Purchased 2011. CC BY-NC-ND licence. Te Papa (GH021347)

Rugby ball

This particular rugby ball records the names of over 40 rugby players who played in matches between Otago and South Africa spanning four noteworthy New Zealand tours against the Springboks in 1921, 1937, 1956, and 1965.

These tours are the New Zealand half of the story of the ongoing rugby rivalry between the two former British colonies and sporting foes.

Rugby ball, 1921. Purchased 2009. Te Papa (GH012621)

Shaving set

This shaving set was manufactured in New York during the 1900s by the Kampfe Brothers. The set contains two safety razors, a stropping machine, a short-handled razor with blade, five blades, and five blade holders.

Shaving Set, 1900s, New York, by Kampfe Brothers. Gift of Mr L McKeefry, 1966. Te Papa (GH002638/1-14)